Tie rod selection

[ChrisL]

I was wrenching on the jeep today and noticed oil dripping. I grenaded another steering stabilizer.

I have the Teraflex stabilizer high mount and what has happened is the stock tie rod has bent into the stabilizer.

I have a 2.5" Rough Country spring lift and aftermarket wheels with less backspacing.

At this point I am looking at the CavFab aluminum tie rod. The concept of the tie rod bending instead of transferring the force some other component is attractive to me.

I kept my stock rims and tires for inspection, not sure that they will fit over the larger tie rod ends.

I can't see a reason to replace the drag link at this point.

Any thoughts?

Chris

[RandyCarol]

That’s a bummer. Good choice to go with the aluminum tie rod, I’ve beat the hell out of mine and it’s still holding up strong. I’m on my third, and hopefully last, one for awhile. I got the Fusion 4x4 one and it uses 2.5 ton tie rod ends. No need to replace the drag link if it isn’t giving you any issues.

[ChrisL]

After looking at Randy's 2.5 ton tie rod ends, I was very impressed. I have also read about the 1 ton tie rod ends failing on the various forums.

My only issue is the 2.5 ton tie rod is 2x the cost of the 1 ton and I am not sure it is needed.

For a Dana 44 axle and 35" tires should I splurge for the 2.5ton tie rod or will the 1 ton be sufficient?

I am looking at:

https://www.tmrcustoms.com/products/tmr ... 0942867533

which is around $50 cheaper than the Fusion.

or this one

https://www.cavfab.com/BOLT-ON-JK-7075- ... p_353.html

Chris

[MDSRACING398]

I would get something that you can replace the parts from an auto parts store. Custom pieces are nice but you may be waiting for new parts to arrive when things go boom. Instead of a quick drive to auto parts.. The kit you posted I assume are custom ends. I do not believe an auto parts one ton end will fit in a stock knuckle. But I may be wrong. Use to have to ream knuckles to do one ton steering.

[ChrisL]

Use to have to ream knuckles to do one ton steering.

You are absolutely right, these "no drill" kits have a comically thin (stock) cartridge bolt, compared to the rest of the assembly. I think both the 1 ton and 2.5 ton "no drill" kits both will have custom cartridges. So I am not sure I can get away from it.

The problem I am trying to solve is that I like to bash my tie rod, I don't have enough lift to flip the tie rod so I am looking at the aluminum one.

Probably good advice to carry a spare cartridge.

Chris

[RandyCarol]

I’ve never had a problem with the tie rod ends, I’ve always bent the tie rods, so I’d mostly focus on a good tie rod and assume it’s matched with decent tie rod ends. I should pick up a spare cartridge just in case, these are interchangeable, some are not

[ChrisL]

Well since Randy is now going to order a spare cartridge, I decided to go with the Fusion tie rod and drag link.

Chris

[ChrisL]

I did a little wrenching this afternoon. I added the Fusion tie rod and draglink as well as the Dominion Offroad stabilizer relocation bracket. I only needed two trips to the store, one for a pickle fork for the pitman arm end of the drag link and one for a 1/2" x 20 bolt for the stabilizer clamp.

I did a driveway alignment, creating around 1/4" of toe-in at around 30" across the tires front to back. It drives straight down the road, but I will probably have it professionally aligned.

I had to mount the stabilizer in reverse as the can was rubbing on the trackbar bolt. One problem I have noticed is the sway bar links will rub the drag link end at full lock. I may need to get longer sway bar links.

I think I am all ready for Sunday.

[RandyCarol]

So you had to RIG the stabilizer with the Dominion bracket?
You shouldn’t have anymore tie rod issues

[MDSRACING398]

I don't see never-seize finger prints anywhere.

[ChrisL]

Randy:

Thanks for the recommendation, I am very pleased with these components. The steering damper has really been a PITA for me. I only have a 2.5" lift so everything is really close together. I actually looked at the Dominion website and you are supposed to mount the stabilizer that way.

I don't see never-seize finger prints anywhere.

I put that sh!t on everything. Steel threaded into aluminum always concerns me. I am also anal and clean up after myself, that is why you don't see any fingerprints.

I put blue loctite on the cartridges. The rod ends and aluminum tie rod/drag links are filled with antisieze.

Chris

[Modeler]

Was it easier to install with the Jeep flipped over? Looks good.

[ChrisL]

Was it easier to install with the Jeep flipped over? Looks good.

haha, this is why left-handers die 7 years earlier...

[pirahnah3]

Was it easier to install with the Jeep flipped over? Looks good.

haha, this is why left-handers die 7 years earlier...

I would think that it would be that much easier to install

That said us south paws are the only ones in our right minds.

[mudpup96]

I know there's a few heavy duty tie rod kits that'll take GM 1 ton ends, Id go with some like that and as mark said it'll be easier to get parts over the counter compared to custom ones. I have the yeti steering kit and i wouldn't recommend it. It didn't last long wheeling at rauch creek